Ripple’s CEO, Brad Garlinghouse, recently addressed the ongoing turbulence in the cryptocurrency market, emphasizing XRP’s importance to the company’s future. During his appearance on X Spaces, Garlinghouse reassured the community that XRP remains central to Ripple’s operations. Despite the market’s struggles, Ripple is focused on long-term goals that center around the utility and liquidity of XRP and the XRP Ledger.

XRP is the “North Star” for Ripple ✨

@BradGarlinghouse highlights how Ripple Payments, Ripple Prime, & Ripple Treasury all drive utility & liquidity around $XRP. pic.twitter.com/g9xlCPpToy

— 𝗕𝗮𝗻𝗸XRP (@BankXRP) February 11, 2026

Garlinghouse explained that XRP continues to be the company’s guiding principle, described as its “North Star.” He pointed out that Ripple’s various products, including Ripple Payments, Ripple Prime, and Ripple Treasury, all aim to increase XRP’s utility. The goal, he noted, is to build trust around XRP, which remains the “heartbeat” of Ripple’s financial infrastructure.

Ripple’s focus on XRP is evident in the company’s aggressive strategies. These efforts include expanding its services in traditional finance while working to build cross-sector solutions for both crypto and traditional financial systems. This strategy aligns with Garlinghouse’s belief that XRP plays a crucial role in shaping the future of financial systems globally.

Ripple Takes an Offensive Approach Amid Market Drawdown

Garlinghouse acknowledged the recent market downturn, which he described as a “bloodbath.” Despite the setback, he suggested that the current conditions could offer an opportunity for investors to enter the market. His view echoes the sentiment that periods of fear can present valuable buying chances for those willing to take risks.

He noted that, while the crypto market is facing significant challenges, XRP has remained resilient. Since November 2024, XRP has been one of the top performers in the market, contrasting with Bitcoin’s relatively flat performance. This positive outlook highlights the coin’s strength and Ripple’s commitment to its long-term vision despite market fluctuations.

Ripple’s Focus on Expansion and Strategic Acquisitions

After years of navigating regulatory challenges, Ripple is now focusing on aggressive acquisitions to accelerate its growth. Garlinghouse described this shift as a crucial move to position Ripple for future success. The company is working hard to recover time lost due to past delays and to maintain its momentum in 2026.

Ripple’s acquisition strategy aims to expand its reach beyond the cryptocurrency community and into traditional finance. By blending both sectors, the company aims to bridge gaps and create solutions that benefit both crypto and conventional financial institutions. This dual focus positions Ripple for broader success as the company prepares to make an even stronger impact in 2026.

Ripple’s approach, according to Garlinghouse, will allow the company to forge new paths in the crypto space while securing XRP’s dominance in the global financial ecosystem. With its aggressive acquisition strategy and renewed focus, Ripple is set to continue pushing forward into 2026, determined to shape the future of finance.